36C25623R0002 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 7

0001 11-13-2023

36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 5075 Westheimer Rd. Suite 750

Houston TX 77056

36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 5075 Westheimer Rd. Suite 750

Houston TX 77056

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25623R0002

10-11-2023

X x x

Due 11/20/2023 at 12:00 PM CST x 1 (one)

The purpose of this amendment is to post questions and answers.

A. See attached questions and answers starting on page 2.

B. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers remains unchanged.

C. This amendment will need to be signed and returned with proposal submission to be eligible for award.

Stephanie Keo Contracting Officer

VA-VHA-2020-49890DD7

Amendment: 0001 Questions and Answers Solicitation: 36C25623R0002 Meridian CBOC Primary Care Services

Question: Is the proposal due date 11-20-2023 at 12 pm CDT or 4:00pm CST?

Answer: 4:00pm CST.

Question: Is the CBOC to be located in Laurderdale County, Mississippi or does it also have to be located in Meridian, Mississippi?

Answer: Meridian, Mississippi.

Question: The billable enrollment in the Meridian CBOC is 2,692. Will the VA consider adjusting the estimated quantity to current billable enrollment (patients managed by the clinic) versus using PCMM enrollment which includes enrollees who are not seen or managed by the clinic?

Answer: No. This is a new requirement and PCMM enrollment is used to estimate quantity

Question: Is a full-time Clinic Manager required and if so, would the VA prefer they be a nurse?

Answer: Yes, a full-time clinic manager is required. The VA would prefer they be a nurse but it is not a requirement.

Question: Is the VA requiring a 1.0 FTE Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT)?

Answer: The VA requires TCT, as this particular clinic does not see 5000 patients 1.0 FTE is not required but it is preferred.

Question: If the VA Laboratory is providing all anti-coagulation services, wouldn't the VA Laboratory also provide the anticoagulation management?

Answer: The VA provides courtesy anticoagulation management to CBOC clinic on a consult basis, but we does not require their management to come from the VA. Veteran can continue to be managed by their PCP, regardless of location.

Question: Will the VA please verify that courier services will be provided once a day.

Answer: Courier services are the responsibility of the Contractor.

Question: Will the Government please confirm if VA will provide the phone circuit and physical phones?

Answer: Yes, the VA will provide physical phones but not the phone circuit.

Question: Will the Government please provide clarification on this requirement? For example, if we have multiple corridors does each corridors have to have an IT closet? What is considered a major corridor?

Answer: The size requirement is 10x10 for the telcom closet. A closet is not required per major corridor. It is based on the size of the area. A closet should be centrally located so that data lines do not exceed 500ft. So you want to be able to reach in a circle 500ft from the closet, if the area is larger than that, it would then require a second closet to cover the rest of the area. A major corridor is considered the prominent hallway for entry and exit..

Question: Will the Government please confirm if CAT 6 or CAT 6A is preferred?

Answer: CAT 6A

Question: Could the government please confirm the power requirements and if two 20-amp dedicated receptacles are acceptable?

Answer: Yes, that is the correct power requirement for new telcom closets. The UPS and switches are all dual feed and require the extra receptacles.

Question: Could the government please confirm if a comparable brand to Leviton is suffice.

Answer: A comparable brand will not suffice. Leviton is specifically listed and should be used.

Question: Will the VA allow the bidder to provide letters, customer surveys, independent surveys, etc. as an attachment and not count towards the 2 page limit to Past Performance?

Answer: Yes, but that information is limited to 2 pages as well.

Question: Will the VA supply the Plan B medication to the Contractor?

Answer: Yes, the VA will supply Plan B medication to the contractor.

Question: Since the VA handles the anticoagulation with VA staffed PharmD’s will the VA be responsible for completing and submitting these reports to the VA?

Answer: The VA provides anticoagulation reports to Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee quarterly for the entire Jackson-associated system, which includes CBOC clinic.

Question: Is there any specific freezer/refrigerator required for the storage of the Covid 19 vaccine in the clinics?

Answer: The freezer/refrigerator must be medical grade.

Question: RFP states VA will supply EKG at a cost to the contractor, what is that cost?

Answer: The machine itself is $14,319.87 but with the accessories (WIFI, cart, barcode mounter) they are $17,885.72.

Question: Is the VA responsible for the procurement of the Strep testing, rapid flu, and covid testing?

Answer: Yes, Pathology and the laboratory purchases ID Now Strep, Flu and Covid test kits and distributes them

Question: Since the contractor is unable to have any equipment connected to the VA network, will the VA be supplying this color printer?

Answer: Yes, the VA will provide a color printer.

Question: Since the contractor is unable to have any equipment connected to the VA network, will the VA be supplying the printers and scanners, if so, how many printers and scanners will be supplied?

Answer: Yes, the VA will supply printers and scanners. The amount supplied will depend on who needs it. Printers should not go to anyone unless they are processing doctors’ orders.

Everyone else should use a networked printer.

Question: What is the Minimum and maximum dollar value for this contract?

Answer: The minimum and maximum are based on number of patients. Ref: 52.219-18

Question: Please provide the number of billable enrollees on the most current invoice

Answer: 2692 Primary Care, 294 Mental Health

Question: Is the incumbent required to move from the current facility?

Answer: This requirement is for services only. The Government does not own or lease the facility.

Question: Will the new Contractor inherit the patients’ last vesting visit and be allowed to bill for one year from the date upon contract award?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor will be provided a list of all enrolled patients at the beginning of the contract and will be able to bill for these patients immediately. To remain enrolled in the clinic, patients must have a qualifying visit within 12 months of their last visit.

Question: On what dates was the market research performed and what were the findings?

Answer: Source selection information shall not be disclosed prior to any contract award.

Question: Does the current CBOC meet the government’s space requirements, and if not, will the location be “grandfathered in” and available for rebid “as-is”?

Answer: The current CBOC contract is performing satisfactorily. This requirement outlines space requirements at section 4.9 of the PWS that is required for award.

Question: Please list all VA staff that will be onsite at the clinic and the approximate number of days per week they will be there.

Answer: There will not be VA staff onside at the CBOC.

Question: Will the government be doing site visits prior to award? If so, how much advance notice will the contractor be given?

Answer: The Government can perform a site visit any time after receipt of proposals since it is part of the technical evaluation. A courtesy notification to the offeror may be given but is not required.

Question: How many Mission Act referrals, for Primary Care, were made in the past 12 months for enrolled veterans of the Meridian CBOC?

Answer: 19 Mission Act referrals

Question: Are the current providers designated Women’s Health Providers?

Answer: Yes, all current providers are designated Women’s Health Providers.

Question: Will the VA provide the “thin-prep” solution for the female pap exams?

Answer: Yes, the VA will provide brushes and swabs.

Question: Offerors shall provide copies of the following on any nurse practitioner(s) to be assigned to perform services under the contract, including any nurse practitioner(s) to provide coverage relief: Transcript(s) from an Accredited Nurse Practitioner Program Can these transcripts be submitted after the award? If transcripts are required with this proposal, please extend the deadline by 90 days so that these can be acquired. Having these submitted under the current deadline would give an unfair advantage to the current incumbent.

Answer: Primary source verification is required by VA Policy. Redacted information can be submitted, but independent primary source is required at time of VA credentialing/privileging. Therefore, this is not a valid basis for an extension for the due date for proposals.

Question: Would the government consider adjusting the time from 90 days to 180 days as we are seeing in most recent proposals, given the supply chain challenges and not to give the incumbent an unfair advantage?

Answer: Given that all proposals are due at the same time and face the same challenges stated, does not constitute an unfair advantage especially when employees are given first right of refusal; however, the Government is considering an adjustment to the due date of proposals based on the commencement of operations that the Government requires.

Question: On page 162 factor 3, the government requests no more than 2 pages per contract listed for past performance. However, the government provided attachment D 29, but it is not required in the instructions section. Please confirm that the instructions also want D 29 to be included.

Answer: Paragraph 3c on page 149 lists form D.29 within the Instruction to Offeror’s section that require to be filled-in, signed and submitted with the proposal.

Question: On page 163 factor 4, please confirm a stand-alone SDVOSB does not need to submit a subcontracting plan with its proposal.

Answer: Correct. In accordance with FAR 19.702(b)(1) small business concerns are not required to submit Subcontracting plans.

Question: The sources sought notice for this solicitation required SDVOSBs to respond by a date that was over one year prior to the RFPs release. We believe this makes the government sources sought outdated, as there are multiple SDVOSBs bidding on CBOCs and the contracts must be set aside. As proof, pre solicitation notices for four CBOCs were released last week, and all will be set aside. We respectfully request that the RFP be placed on hold while the government updates its research to determine if this solicitation should be set aside.

Answer: In accordance with FAR 10.002(b)(2) “The contracting officer may use market research conducted within 18 months before the award of any task or delivery order if the information is still current, accurate, and relevant.” Therefore, the market research is not outdated.

Although a sources sought notice provides tremendous insight into firms within the marketplace, the results of a sources sought notice is only part of market research and not the only factor that supports the decision of the method of procurement. Additionally, market research involves obtaining information specific to the service being acquired relevant to that marketplace; thus, not all VA CBOC requirements are same.

Specifically, with regards to this requirement, there was no reasonable expectation that this requirement will receive two or more offers from eligible, capable and certified SDVOSB firms (ref: VAAR 819.501-70(a)(3)). Therefore, based on the market research for this requirement, there was no reasonable expectation that two or more offers will be received despite the existence of three certified SDVOSBs based on the research. Simply put, there was no interest from two of the three eligible, capable and certified SDVOSB firm for this particular CBOC requirement.

However, sources sought notice 36C25624Q0150 was published on 10/31/2023 and closed on 11/07/2023 to gather information for the current requirement and future requirements similar in scope, to re-assess if there are any interested eligible, capable and certified SDVOSB firms that would participate in the acquisition of providing CBOC services for the catchment area of Meridian, MS and the VA in general.

There were three responses to the sources sought, one (1) Large business and two (2) SDVOSB firms. Upon further research into all of the respondents capabilities and due diligence to be sure that there is a reasonable expectation that this requirement will receive two or more offers from

VetCert certified SDVOSB firms, the contracting officer has made a re-determination that this requirement can be set aside for eligible, capable and certified SDVOSB firms. An amendment to address this change will be published separately prior to the current due date for proposals.

(End of Amendment 0001)